My children and I have volunteered to go to a local nursing home to spend time with a resident there who does not receive many visitors. When I first had this plan I thought that the kids could make cookies for the residents and pass them out. I found out quickly that this was not an option because of dietary restrictions. So we are being "matched up" with some one to visit. When I asked what we could bring, the volunteer coordinator said that the residents love to have wreaths or door hangers for their rooms. The problem I am having is that I don't know if we will be matched up with a man or a woman. I can not seem to find an idea that would work for both. I would not want to offend an elderly gentleman by showing up with a flowery wreath. Any ideas for a wreath that could work for either?
The kids already plan to make cards and pictures of their own, but I would hate to think of anyone not having something as simple as a wreath for their door.
Thanks in Advance
:)
Thank you all so much for your responses and links, they were all very helpful. We ended up making a patriotic wreath and it was very much appreciated on our visit. I think our new friend was happier to have visitors than hewas about any gift we brought. Again Thank you, I always find answers here ;-)
Here are tons of ideas:
http://www.tipjunkie.com/make-wreaths/
I see lots of options that would work for both sexes. What a nice thing you are doing!
I saw this wreath in Woman's Day-I think that older folks would love it and it would be easy to make.
http://www.womansday.com/home/decorating-ideas/summer-red...
I like the patriotic theme. Or even just a welcome sign of some sort. I think what you are doing here is tremendous. I have had both parents in a nursing home for a time. And it can be an extremely lonely place. To have some visitors really do make the day or even week for these elderly folks. Again, thank you. Your kindness will mean a great deal.
Holiday themes or things like handprints (let the kids do rows of hands either traced on construction paper or paint on white paper). Especially if the people have a relationship with the kid, the handprint might be nice and personal. You could even ask the resident to let the kid use his/her hand, too. You could also allow the kids to make drawings and then laminate them. Maybe ask the kids to draw a picture of "summer" for this round and then punch holes after they are laminated and tie colorful yarn on them in gender-neutral colors.
You could do a patriotic wreath or a fall leaves wreath, a wreath made out of corks, an herb wreath. Those are all pretty gender neutral. You could even do a grapevine wreath with battery twinkle lights and then add things to it seasonally.
It's my experience (since moving to western PA) that you almost can't go wrong with the Steelers.
Good Luck!
I see that lots have said what I was going to say....Seasonal themes. Are you on Pinterest? Check there if you need ideas! They have so many great ones!
Perhaps one where the main decorations can be removed and replaced for each holiday? You'd stick in flags around memorial day, hearts at Valentines, santas and snowmen in the winter...
Holiday themes work for both genders.
I love a good burlap wreath
http://pinterest.com/search/?q=burlap+wreath
I also like the idea of the kids making a handprint wreath. It makes it personal.
http://pinterest.com/search/?q=handprint+wreath
Or you can make one out of toilet paper rolls :)
http://pinterest.com/search/?q=toilet+paper+roll+wreath
I wouldn't worry too much about it anyway. Unless you plan on making it out of pink marabou and sparkles men can appreciate a floral wreath, most of them probably had wives at some point and they probably appreciated the homey feminine touches she added around the house.
what about a handprint wreath using the kids handprints?
